Page 28 of Crimson Wrath

“We have no time, then,” I say, my voice tight. Tension radiates through every muscle in my body. “We need to prepare now.”

“Anton, let me help. Please.” Scarlett rises from the bed, the sheets sliding off her exposed skin. She tugs the fabric back up over the swell of her breasts while shooting a venomous look over at Luka. Then her eyes meet mine, determination burning within them.

“Scarlett—” I begin.

“Are you out of your mind, woman?” Luka scoffs, shaking his head. He glares at her, barely veiling his disdain.

Did he just fucking cut me off?

“Luka, this is not your decision.” My tone is sharp, cold as ice. “Scarlett has proven herself resourceful.”

“Resourceful?” He narrows his eyes, disbelief clouding his features. “She broke in here, Anton!Ona grebanyy vor!She’s a fucking thief. You’ve lost your mind over her.”

“Enough!” I snap, my fury boiling over. “Remember your place, Luka.”

“Anton,” Scarlett interjects, her gaze never leaving mine. “I can be useful in getting Nikolai back. I have a team of specialists. We can help. Please. I don’t want anything to happen to him.”

“See, boss? She’s a snake, whispering lies into your ear.” Luka’s expression is stormy. It’s probably the most emotion I’ve ever seen from the man.

“Seriously, Luka?” Scarlett looks livid. “When did I ever do anything to make you doubt me? Besides, who’s to say we’re not cut from the same cloth, you and I?”

“Cloth? Fuck you and your cloth! We are nothing alike!” He spins to face me. “Boss—”

“Your opinion is noted,” I grit out, my frustration mounting. “But Scarlett stays. We all have one goal – to save Nikolai.”

With those words, my decision is made. Though part of me wonders if it’s a kneejerk reaction to what Luka is trying to impose on me.

The fucker doesn’t tell me what to do.

Scarlett is right, though. She could be useful. And if we’re about to face down Volkov’s private army, we can use all the hands we can get.

“Fine,” Luka concedes, his jaw tense, eyes dark with anger, but he knows better than to push further.

“Scarlett,” I say, the weight of my decision settling on my chest. “If you are going to help, we need to move fast.”

“Understood.” She nods, stone-faced.

“Get dressed. “ I watch as she quickly gathers her clothes, her movements efficient and precise.

“Anton,” Luka hisses, his gaze locked on me. “You are making a mistake.”

“Your opinions have been noted, Luka,” I repeat. “Znay svoi predely.Now, back off. We are running out of time.” My temper simmers just below the surface, ready to erupt if he pushes me further.

“Da,” he mutters, his eyes still filled with resentment. But he knows better than to challenge me further, at least for now.

“Anton,” Scarlett’s voice catches me off guard, her hand resting on my arm. “Thank you for trusting me.”

“Let us save Nikolai first,” I reply, my fingertips brushing against her wrist – an intimate touch that leaves me with that odd unsettled feeling again, “Then we will talk about trust.”

“Deal,” she nods, her deep dark eyes locked with mine. Yet again, I can’t help but wonder if I’m making the right choice, or if I’ve let my emotions compromise my judgment.

But there’s no turning back now.

Scarlett disappears into the bathroom to change, and I find myself pacing the bedroom. My heart races like a caged animal as I try to push away the doubts clawing at the back of my mind.

“Anton,” Luka’s voice comes from behind me, his tone tense. “Are you sure about this?”

“Would you rather let Volkov get away with my son?” I snap back, spinning around to face him. His eyes flicker with uncertainty, but he can’t seem to stop his mouth from running off.

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